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One of the best parts about living in Florida is the weather. Combine that with the history and attractions of St Augustine and you have the makings for a fun, eventful summer filled with free things and activities for a family vacation. You will definitely want to check out our list of budget-friendly things to do in St. Augustine FL that will keep the whole family engaged and entertained.
From nature trails to the many historic sites, the city of St Augustine will surely be a favorite destination. to remember and return to.
Castillo de San Marcos
Location: 11 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084
This is one of the most inexpensive St. Augustine activities you can do. With an admission price of just $2, you can enjoy roaming around the old fort all day long. Bring a picnic lunch and sit on the rolling hills outside of the fort. There’s a beautiful bayfront to look out into and unlimited sunshine.
The Castillo de San Marcos was completed in 1695 and has protected the city of St. Augustine since. Spanish explorers, American, and British forces have occupied the fort during its long history. In 1924, the Castillo de San Marcos was named a National Monument. The grounds and interior of this enduring structure are open to the public.
Potter’s Wax Museum For A Great Time
Location: 31 Orange St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
This is a museum of wax figures both celebrities and historical figures. Children love this exhibit as the figures look so life-like. Accompany this visit by strolling around the central square where Potter’s Wax Museum is located. It’s a great place to walk around and visit the galleries that are lined up. Take a lunch break on the corner at A1A Aleworks and you can have a view of the bayfront as you are dining.
Pirate And Treasure Museum Is Full Of Fun Things To See
Location: 12 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084
The Pirate and Treasure Museum is awesome for children and adults both! Great historical treasures and detailed history set right across from the Castillo de San Marcos makes this an ideal destination.
Beaches Are The Perfect Place To Relax
Saint Augustine is known for its beaches. Vilano, Ponte Vedra beach, Anastasia, and Crescent beaches are always in use by the residents and visitors of St. Augustine. The historic town in the United States makes a cozy place to vacation and gets some rays from the Florida sunshine.
Libraries
Perhaps you wouldn’t think that a library could bring forth an image of fun, but the St. John’s County libraries offer a variety of programs for all ages at no additional cost. They let you check out an unlimited number of movies and books at no charge which in itself can equate to several hours of family time.
Castle Ottis
Location: Coastal Hwy, St. Augustine, FL 32084
The beautiful Irish-inspired Castle Ottis that was built to praise Jesus Christ. They hold weddings and have a spectacular view of the Vilano beach area. Tours are offered but you must call ahead.
Ft. Matanzas
Location: 8635 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Fort Matanzas is free and one of the best places to visit. It’s a lot smaller than the Castillo de San Marcos but still an entertaining day of fun. They have a small visitors center where you can learn about the history of the fort and a free ferry ride on Matanzas river to take you from the parking area to the fort itself. In addition, if you are out boating, you can dock right up to it.
Treaty Park
Location: 1595 Wildwood Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32086
This is a well-planned sports facility that has almost everything you could offer a family for fun activities. With a skate park, a dog park, baseball fields, and more, Treaty Park is a wonderful place to spend a day on outdoor activities.
St. George Street
If you are a resident and want to play tourist for a day or really are visiting, St. George Street is right up your alley. This is part of the original town of the ancient city of St. Augustine complete with refurbished buildings that are now gift shops and stores. You can combine your love of antiques with your love of great food and sweet treats when you visit this historic street.
Deep Sea Tours are Exciting Things To Do in St. Augustine FL
If fishing is your thing and you have no boat, try one of St. Augustine’s deep-sea fishing adventures. They take you out for an all-day run fishing. Bring a cooler of snacks and lunch and you can easily wind away the hours with good conversation and a lot of fishing.
Fountain of Youth
Location: 11 Magnolia Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Ponce de Leon got lost on his way to Bimini, discovered North America, and claimed it for Spain, even though it was a humid swamp filled with snakes, alligators, and hostile natives. The Fountain of Youth archaeological park showcases artifacts from that historic voyage and the settlers that followed, along with a spring that may have given rise to the legend of the Fountain of Youth–although nobody really knows.
Black Raven Adventures Is One Of The Best Ways To See A Pirate Ship
Location: 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Set sail aboard a pirate ship replica for pirate entertainment on the high seas with Black Raven Adventures. Sing along with the pirate songs, hear true pirate stories, and enjoy the interactive skits and antics of the crew.
Marineland’s Dolphin Conservation Center Is The Best Part Of Your Visit
Location: 9600 N Ocean Shore Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Marineland is the world’s first Oceanarium and pioneered the study of dolphins beginning in 1938. Completely rebuilt into a state-of-the-art facility, its name has changed to Marineland’s Dolphin Conservation Center.
The facility is designed to allow up close and personal interactions, including feeding, training, touching, and swimming with sea turtles and dolphins. The low cost of general admission makes Marineland one of the best entertainment opportunities in the country.
Ghost Tours Is One Of The Best Things To Do in St. Augustine FL
With its colorful and tumultuous history and interesting facts, St. Augustine is full of stories. Ghost Tours of St. Augustine takes you on a walking, riding, or sailing tour led by a professional tour guide. Decide for yourself as you listen to well-researched and very creepy historical tales presented as you tour areas of documented hauntings.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in St. Augustine FL
St. Augustine, on Florida’s east coast, discovered by Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513 and established by Spanish settlers in 1565, is the oldest city in the US. It is a city located on a beautiful seashore with the best restaurants and rich in historic forts, historical sites, places, and diverse cultural influences. Temperate Florida weather makes St. Augustine a great place to visit any time of year.
There are so many activities to do in St. Augustine that there is no wonder why it is one of Florida’s favorite places to visit and play.
